Bottle Tree Productions Blog

Opera Cabaret! Meet Alastair Kierulf

2018-11-28T10:15:00.003-08:00

Alastair has been singing on stages since he was 6 years old. A recent graduate from Queen’s University with a BSc in chemistry (and a minor in music), Alastair has continued to follow his love for music and is involved in the Queen’s Choral Ensemble, Queen’s University Chamber Orchestra, and also sings in the Kingston Chamber Choir with Ariel. In his free time, Alastair enjoys pursuing a master’s in analytical chemistry at Queen’s University.

Alastair’s favourite piece in the show: “I like 'Tonight' because it was one of the first musicals I was introduced to as a kid. We had West Side Story ON VINYL!”

Tickets are available online through the Grand Theatre Box Office and by phone 613-530-2050 or in person 218 Princess Street.

Opera Cabaret! Meet Kristen English

2018-11-28T10:11:00.001-08:00

Kristen English is an enthusiastic soprano from Lindsay, Ontario. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Music in Voice Performance and Music Education with a minor in French from Wilfrid Laurier University as well as a Bachelor of Education from Queen’s University. Kristen currently resides in Kingston, Ontario, where she is a soprano section lead in the Kingston Choral Society, the Melos Ensemble and Period Instruments and the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church choir, and is a member of the Martello Alley Cats.
She currently works as a French teacher at the River Falls Grade 2/3 Class where she teaches the Waldorf curriculum, as an occasional teacher with the LDSB, and as a private voice teacher. Last year, she was the choral teaching artist for Sistema Kingston.
Kristen was a Young Artist for the Arcady Ensemble’s 2014-2015 season. While at Laurier, she performed the role of Barbarina in W.A. Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro (2013) as well as the partial roles of Gretel in E. Humperdinck’s Hansel und Gretel, Despina in W.A. Mozart’s Cosi fan tutti and Servillia in W.A. Mozart’s La Clemenza di Tito (2012). Kristen has a passion for oratorio and has performed as a soloist in Handel’s Messiah (2015), J.S. Bach’s Mass in A Major (2013), and G. Fauré’s Requiem (2012). As a chorister, Kristen has extensive experience, having performed large works with the Peterborough Singers, Laurier Singers, and Arcady choirs. She was a member of the 2014 National Youth Choir and a six-year member of the Ontario Youth Choir (2008-2013).
Kristen’s favourite piece in the show: “Vive le vin because I love the boisterous energy. It's exciting to sing and gets my heart pumping!”
Don’t miss Kristen’s gorgeous singing by purchasing your tickets through the Grand Theatre Box Office online, by phone 613-530-2050 or in person 218 Princess Street.

Opera Cabaret! Meet Mallory Brumm

2018-11-28T10:03:00.003-08:00

Mallory is a second year Bachelor of Music student specializing in voice at Queen's University. She has been an active part of their Opera Ensemble and worked as an actress with the Classic Theatre Festival this past summer. Mallory has also been in multiple musicals with Two Rivers Musicals and Really Cool Initiatives. She is excited to be a part of this production and is thankful to Ariel for this experience!
Mallory’s favourite piece in the show: “I love the flower duet because the harmonies are absolutely stunning!”

Mallory will be performing at The Grand Theater from Nov. 29 - Dec. 2. Tickets are available online through the Grand Theatre Box Office and by phone 613-530-2050 or in person 218 Princess Street.

Opera Cabaret! Meet Emily Helferty

2018-11-27T20:26:00.004-08:00

Emily is a third year Bachelor of Music Vocal Major at Queen’s University. She has been performing in various musical genres since childhood, but Opera is her passion. In her first two years at Queen’s she had the opportunity to take on various operatic roles through Queen’s Opera Ensemble, including the Second Witch in the full production of Dido and Aeneas. Her favourite role to perform has been Dorabella from Cosi fan tutte, and you will hear Emily sing one of her arias in today’s show. Whether you are a seasoned Opera-goer or a newcomer to the operatic experience, we hope you will enjoy our Opera Cabaret!

Emily’s favourite piece in the show: “The Les contes d’Hoffman prologue because it uses voices to create imagery"

See Emily and the rest of our awesome cast! Tickets available through The Grand Theatre box office 613-530-2050 and https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/opera-cabaret and in person at 218 Princess Street.

Opera Cabaret! Meet Jenn Wilson

2018-11-27T20:07:00.000-08:00

Soprano Jennifer Wilson is from Ajax, Ontario and is in her fourth year of voice studies at Queen’s University. Jennifer has been studying voice for the past seven years, and playing piano for the past fifteen years, and she absolutely loves music!

Outside of the Queen’s community, Jenn is a choral scholar at St. George’s Cathedral, and she also loves running and walking around town (especially on the waterfront). Jennifer was also the 2017 winner of the Melos Baroque Idol competition.

Jennifer’s favourite piece in the show: “Vive le vin, vive Pluton, because I think it’s harmonically interesting and fun to sing!”

Opera Cabaret opens Thursday Nov. 29 and finishes with a matinee on Sunday Dec. 2 at the Grand Theatre.

Tickets for Opera Cabaret! are available through the Grand Theatre Box Office online, by phone 613-530-2050 or in person at 218 Princess Street.

https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/opera-cabaret?fbclid=IwAR1YWz1airqgyORp4ZrLMKalBFlgm8oq83vjZNrM8p5fBunUhCuRGewnhOc!

Opera Cabaret! Meet Zoe Clarke

2018-11-25T05:55:00.003-08:00

As the show rapidly approaches, we would like to take the opportunity to start introducing you to some of our amazing artists!

Zoe Clarke is a fourth year student at Queen's University studying biology and music. Having studied the tuba for her first 3 years of university, Zoe has had a diverse musical background playing in various orchestras, wind ensembles, brass quintets around the city. Her singing journey began in grade 11 when she accidentally started taking voice lessons from an opera singer and then completely fell in love with the genre! Zoe, a mezzo-soprano, finds herself playing a man just as much (if not more) as she does a woman - she is incredibly excited to show you a little bit of both at Bottle Tree's Opera Cabaret!!

Zoe’s favourite piece in the show: “Vive le vin, vive Pluton, because I have the privilege of hearing the power in everyone's voices as we shout out our passion for wine.”

Tickets are available through the Grand Theatre Box Offic by phone 613-530-2050. in person 218 Princess Street, or online online: https://www.kingstongrand.ca/events/opera-cabaret

What the What?!

2018-05-15T14:42:00.000-07:00

Ahh the world of non-professional theatre!

For those who are interested or curious to know what the heck is going on with Bottle Tree announcing Mamma Mia! and then Meistersingers posting a production of the same title in November - read on. If you don't care - stop here and congratulations. :)

When I saw the title come available for amateur licensing, I applied within minutes. So did other companies. Amateur licenses for plays and musicals have no restrictions on them. Every single person in Kingston could have applied for the rights to perform Mamma Mia! and they would have all been granted - even if the productions were on the same dates.

Part of what we do at Bottle Tree is creating community (non-professional) theatre, especially large musicals. We think that this is important because it gives a professional level of support to people who love the art and may never get a chance to participate. I knew that Mamma Mia! would be a wildly popular title, and that it was likely that the Meistersingers would also have applied for the rights (and they had). I wanted to avoid the speculation that has happened in the past with productions that were done in the same year, by two companies, so I asked if they would like to do a co-production of the show with us.

Anyway - Liane and I talked and tried to figure out what might work and what might not work, and the timeline did not work out for us to work together. That is the short of it.

What people who do not produce don't really understand is that it is hard to book theatre space for shows in Kingston, especially on the big stage at the Grand Theatre. That theatre is booked at least 18 months in advance. For me, the venue was very important. For Meistersingers, the number of possible performances was key.

I think that Meistersingers will do a good show.

I think that we will do a good show.

There is a bum for every seat. Mamma Mia! is a great title. Stay tuned for Bottle Tree Productions' audition and performance run announcement.

Meet Duncan Holt

2018-05-04T07:45:00.001-07:00

Duncan Holt owns a well-respected recording studio, teaches drums, plays in many bands and is a musical fixture in Kingston. He lays down the beat for artists that include The Rain Kings, Georgette Fry, and Jenica Rayne, across all genres.

Holt has a quick smile and and a gentle sense of humour and could not say no to joining this outstanding group of musicians to present this music. Duncan is a fan of all of the music in “You've Got a Friend” - when pressed he picks Smackwater Jack and Copperline as two favourites. Despite not being the stand-in drummer for Charlie Watts in the Stone's Steel Wheels tour, Duncan counts his blessings in those shining moments that happen unexpectedly on stage.

We're looking forward to seeing Duncan shine on Saturday May 5 at 7:30pm in “You've Got a Friend” with bandmates Miss Emily, Doug Reansbury, Jamie Campbell, Zak Colbert, Ken Hall and James Wannamaker. Playing in the beautiful sanctuary at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 130 Clergy St. E @ Princess. Parking is on Queen in the same block as the church. Tickets $25 for You've Got a Friend are available in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3356784 or at the door on the night of the show (cash only at the door).

Meet Zak Colbert

2018-05-02T06:33:00.003-07:00

Charles and I walk into one of our watering holes (The Ports) and I show my poster to the barman and ask if I can put it up on the wall. The barman takes a look at the poster, there is a big photo of the singers-Miss Emily, Jamie Campbell, Doug Reansbury-and smaller headshots of James Wannamaker (sax), Duncan Holt (drums), Ken Hall (keys) and bass player Zak Colbert. The barman, Rick, smiles and says to me, “Little known fact – I used to play bass-and you know, everyone who found that out asked me exactly the same question, 'Oh, you play bass?! Do you know Zak Colbert?'”

Zak is a musician's musician. He has backed Georgette Fry, Ila Van, Sam Hopkins, and innumerable others. Zak was a founding member of Ghetto Express. He is a consummate player, accompanying any genre on his six string fretted bass. Fittingly, one of Colbert's favourite songs in this latest musical offering is Carole King and David Plamer (Steely Dan)'s 'Jazzman”.

Jazzman Colbert can be seen this Saturday, May 5 at 7:30pm performing “You've Got a Friend” at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 130 Clergy St. E @ Princess. Parking is on Queen in the same block as the church. Tickets $25 for You've Got a Friend are available in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3356784 or at the door on the night of the show (cash only at the door).

Meet Doug Reansbury

2018-05-01T17:14:00.000-07:00


photo (c) 2018 Vanessa Head

Doug Reansbury is a household name in Kingston. He is a feature artist at The Stonewater Pub, and on the Island Star dinner cruises who plays soft acoustic rock, mainly hits from the 60's and 70's. His latest gig, singing the music of James Taylor and Carole King with Miss Emily, Jamie Campbell, Zak Colbert, Ken Hall, Duncan Holt, and James Wannamaker is right in his wheelhouse.

“You've Got a Friend” , written by King, was James Taylor's best-selling recording and it is the perfect name for their new show. Reansbury loves the simple/sublime guitar intro to the song, and his co-performer, keyboardist Ken Hall, happily recommends Doug's interpretation of James Taylor's songs. “He's remarkable,” says Hall, “his James Taylor songs are out of this world.”

You can catch Doug and his friends on Saturday May 5 @ 7:30pm, at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 130 Clergy Street East (Clergy at Princess)/ Parking is on Queen in the same block as the church. Tickets $25 for You've Got a Friend are available in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3356784 or at the door on the night of the show (cash only at the door).

Meet James Wannamaker

2018-04-30T08:28:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, when everything is going right in a performance – everyone is in the pocket- a tune will hit the next level. For saxophonist James Wannamaker, that is an amazing feeling.

James has been a staple in Kingston for many years – a known sax man playing with groups like Filet of Soul, Jenica Rayne, and The Downtown Trio. Drummer Duncan Holt invited him to play in “You've Got a Friend” with Miss Emily, Doug Reansbury, Jamie Campbell, Ken Hall, and Zak Colbert doing songs of Carole King and James Taylor. King's songs lend themselves to sax, and Natural Woman has a fun solo for Wannamaker, and he enjoys chilling and listening to the rest of the band play the James Taylor tunes.

Like all good musicians, James is busy! He has a performance at Homegrown Live with Michelle Kasaboski in the same day that he will perform with Holt and the band for You've Got a Friend, and he plays at Olivea every second Tuesday, with The Downtown Trio.

You can see James' newest venture “You've Got a Friend” live in the beautiful sanctuary at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church 130 Clergy St. East (at Princess) this Saturday May 5 7:30 pm. Tickets $25 for You've Got a Friend are available in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3356784 or at the door on the night of the show (cash only at the door).

Meet Miss Emily

2018-04-29T10:38:00.000-07:00

Imagine an idyllic summer day. You are eight years old and you are with your best friend at her cottage in Prince Edward County. On the radio, James Taylor's velvet voice sings a song of love and loss-“Fire and Rain”.

Miss Emily, 2018 (photo cred. Vanessa Head )

Imagine a disc on constant rotation in your household. Every song is a hit- “Natural Woman”, “Beautiful”, “So Far Away”- and a woman's voice fills your ears with earthy passion, and longing. Imagine singing along, trying to express the soul of the singer with your own small frame; trying to impart the wisdom of the words with your young being.

These songs have such an impact that years later, you recall the moments, the place, and the company you kept when you listened to them.

If you have heard Miss Emily's raw, bluesy vocals, it is not hard to imagine that the artists who created those songs have influenced her music.

Miss Emily is, herself, a passionate artist who brings energy to everything she does. She is a huge fan of Carole King, “My favourite Carole King song is actually... the entire Tapestry album! I can’t choose one. I’m such a fan.” so when keyboardist Ken Hall asked her if she would be interested in performing songs of Carole King and James Taylor, she jumped at the chance.

Miss Emily, Doug Reansbury and Jamie Campbell front an all-star band with bass player Zak Colbert, James Wannamaker on sax, Ken Hall on keyboard, and drummer Duncan Holt.

Kingston audiences can see Miss Emily, Doug, Jamie, and the band performing her much-loved Carole King and James Taylor songs this week on Saturday May 5 at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 7:30pm. Tickets $25 for You've Got a Friend are available in advance at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3356784 or at the door on the night of the show (cash only at the door).

Miss Emily's next performance is a fundraiser for Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto on May 16. Catch her in Kingston while you still can!

A Little Princess-Theatre for the Whole Family

2017-12-03T20:46:00.000-08:00

Bottle Tree Productions presents a stage adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett's children's classic; A Little Princess. Starring Emily Flake, Martin Fobert, Fiona Beech, Lynn Kerr Sid Anjilvel and Catie Parks and directed by Charles Robertson, this play will tug at your hearts strings. The play runs at the St Andrews Presbyterian Church at 130 Clergy St. Kingston, ON from Dec 14-16 and you can get tickets online at the Grand Theatre website, or in person at the box office or by phoning 613-530-2050.

A Little Princess is adapted from the children's novel by Frances Hodgson Burnett,

Born in India, Sara Crewe is a privileged student at a prestigious private school for girls in London in the late 19th century. Her doting father is a wealthy captain in the British army. When Sara's mother passes away, her grief-stricken father acknowledges that he can't look after her properly and takes her to London to Miss Minchin's private school. He insists that nothing is to be denied his little girl. He will spare no expense to make sure she is well-looked after. Though she is treated as a little princess, she is kind to everyone and especially the unfortunate scullery maid; Becky.

When her father suddenly dies, Sara's fairy-tale existence comes crashing down. She is left an orphan, without relatives or money. She is forced by the cruel Miss Minchin to work as a servant in the school with little food or rest and without pay. The only other option would be to beg on the streets. She and Becky live side by side in the rat-infested attic of the school.

A mysterious neighbour then moves in next door to the school and brings with him, redemption, forgiveness and salvation. A story that will tug at the heart strings and uplift the spirits of young and old alike.

A perfect Christmas story for the whole family.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike Opens Nov. 23 2017!

2017-11-16T06:26:00.000-08:00

November 16, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kingston, ON – Bottle Tree Productions presents the Kingston premier of Christopher Durang's Tony Award winning comedy Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Starring Sean Roberts, Amie Bello. Helen von Bretzke, Daniel Pauley, Cassel Miles and Hannah Smith, and directed by Gord Love, this play will keep you in stitches. The play runs at the Grand Theatre in the Baby Grand from Nov. 23-Dec. 2 and you can get tickets online at the Grand Theatre website, or in person at the box office or by phoning 613-530-2050.

Durang's take on sibling dynamics is pointed up in this comedy, as Helen von Bretzke's aging starlet, Masha , comes home to visit her brother and sister. She brings news and a young man – a VERY young man. Her life is perfect, she has ventured out into the world and has been successful in her career--and she has Spike (Daniel Pauley), her handsome young lover, to decorate her arm.

Sean Roberts and Amie Bello as Vanya and Sonia (photo H.Smith)

Her brother, Vanya (Sean Roberts), and her sister, Sonia (Amie Bello), have stayed in the family home to care for their aging parents, who have since passed on. Theirs was a life of apologising to neighbours for the inappropriate antics of their unwell parents, changing adult diapers, and waiting for the blue heron to make its appearance at the pond. They are dissatisfied with their lives, and with each other. Masha's visit only serves to highlight to them that they have not lived their lives and they find themselves in middle age with nothing behind them, and no prospects for the future.

Sean Roberts, Cassel Miles, and Daniel Pauley

Cassandra, their prescient housekeeper, expertly played by Cassel Miles, brings premonitions about events that will come to pass, In true oracular style, she speaks riddles that contain advice for the siblings. Of course, they think she is crazy, but her warning “Beware of Hootie Pie” hits home.

Spike finds aspiring actress Nina (Hannah Smith) and invites her to meet his famous girlfriend and her family. Nina is a breath of fresh air and hope; young, optimistic, romantic, innocent. Masha is not impressed.

Can anything help this dysfunctional family dynamic? We must always hope.

Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike plays at the Baby Grand Thursday November 23-Saturday December 2. Due to strong language and partial nudity, it may be unsuitable for some patrons.

###

Fall Acting Classes, PLUS Musical Theatre (Dancing and Singing), and Technical Theatre!

2017-09-06T12:22:00.000-07:00

It's that time again--FALL-- and a new term of acting training for Kingston children and youth.

We are always considering what is needed in the community for training young people to become confident contributors to theatre and we have developed three new courses to help round-out our offering to the next generation of artists and practitioners.

Young actors rehearsing.

Singing for Musical Theatre takes a group approach to vocal class and is intended for a chorus of girls and boys with unbroken voices. We take ages 9-16 (boys likely a younger top end). Our Music Director, Darrell Bryan, teaches correct, safe vocal technique to improve the voice and to keep it healthy for life. Terrific class for young people to gain confidence through correct technique and practise. Pitch-matching is important to this course, as it is a group endeavour. We retain the option to excuse students who are not able to match tones ("I will play this note, and you sing it back to me.") and will offer an appropriate refund or the option to transfer to a different class. *If you would like us to test for pitch-matching before you enrol, please email a.mortensen@bottletreeinc.com and we can set up a time to get together.

Dancing for Musical Theatre trains those who may not necessarily have a dance background, but find that they need something to help with musical theatre auditions and performances. This class will boost confidence and understanding of dance terminology, and give your young thespian practise in dancing.

Technical Theatre is an upper-year course, training youth in the non-performance aspects of theatrical productions. Students will learn basic to intermediate costuming, lighting, sound, set and props design and creation, including safe use of tools and equipment. They will have access to and training on sound and lighting boards, hand tools, sewing machines, and video and sound recording and editing equipment. There is also a stage management aspect to the course, as we take the class through managing a production from the ground up. The course covers three terms, and is paid in three installments. Once completed, the students will have an intermediate knowledge of the practical aspects of costuming, lighting, sound, set and props design and of stage management techniques. They will have been exposed to theoretical aspects of design, they will be able to put their ideas on paper, and they will be given the opportunity to execute their designs. This course is for middle to high school students (grade 8-12).

All of our courses culminate in term performances (every ten weeks). Actors need audiences!

Classes start Saturday Sept 23. Our class performances are on Saturday Dec. 2 at the Grand Theatre in the Baby Grand. Winter Term begins after the Winter Break.

CASTING NOTICE POSTED - Non-Union, Paid, Full-TIme Seasonal

2017-02-12T18:57:00.000-08:00

Bottle Tree Productions has partnered with the Saint Lawrence Parks Commission to provide theatrical programming pertaining to the cusp of the Confederation of Canada. We are thrilled to be able to provide full-time, seasonal employment for five actors between May and August this year, and we are accepting submissions until March 25.
Our casting notice is posted in full on our website, here. If you can rehearse as a Kingston Ontario local starting in mid-May, and are willing to travel with us to Morrisburg for site-specific, immersive theatre this may be the job for you.
In a nutshell, we are looking for two males who can play between 18-35 years old, one man and one woman who can play between 35-55 and one female to play between 18-25. You must be aged 18 or over to submit for these roles.
For more information, and how to submit, read the casting notice on our website. We look forward to your submission!

No Small Parts: in Praise of Big Acting

2017-02-07T10:09:00.000-08:00

It is challenging to cast a play. There are probably two larger roles (Romeo and Juliet), some supporting roles (Tybalt, Friar Laurence, Nurse), and some smaller roles and bit parts (Peter, Gregory, Sampson), and you are dealing with human beings who are hoping for a 'lead'. Sometimes, actors will equate their self-worth with the size of the roles that they are given. Sometimes, they will be upset that a director clearly did not see the talent that was before her, and they will be unhappy with a 'bit part'.

"There are no small parts - only small actors." Stanislavski knew that the roles were not small - but the acting in them sometimes caused the role to shrink. We like to pair his quote with this rule of thumb, "The smaller the role, the bigger you can be."

While we could not tolerate an entire play where Romeo was as exaggerated as Gregory or Sampson - played well, played BIG - those actors get noticed for the right reasons. They are fresh and different and they bring a different energy to the stage. They can be played as noteworthy.

Take a look at the young man in this video. He has a tiny teeny little role that he didn't even audition for. He has the same role as the other Celts fans, but they do not see their opportunity to play it big. He does.

People remember the performer who fully embraces his role.

Buy Tickets for Cinderella at the Grand Theatre

2016-12-09T08:49:00.000-08:00

Bottle Tree Productions has purchased two orchestra section centre row seats for each evening performance of Cinderella which we are letting go at discount prices. We are selling them to you with all the fees and HST included. Nothing hidden. No surprises. While you can't pick your exact seats, the seats you purchase will be together in the centre row, main floor with a great view of the action. After you purchase your tickets there will be a confirmation email and your tickets will be waiting at the Grand Theatre Box Office the night of the show. We only have a limited number of seats so take advantage of this opportunity while you can.

If you wish to purchase tickets by phone; call the Grand Theatre Box Office at 613-530-2050 or go in person to the Box Office at 218 Princess Street. If you choose to purchase tickets online on the Grand Theatre website please go to Cinderella-A Holiday Panto

Hoping to see you there!

Cinderella 2016

2016-11-20T12:50:00.002-08:00

Bottle Tree Productions presents a holiday panto:

CINDERELLA

Dec 15-17 Thurs, Fri  and Sat @ 6:30 pm Matinee on Saturday December 17 @ 2:00pm

By Charles Robertson Music and Lyrics by Michael K Myers

Special 'mature audience' production* Tinderfella * Saturday December 17 @ 8:30pm

It's the holiday season and we are pleased to offer your family a traditional panto-style play of the classic fairy tale, Cinderella. Laugh along, cheer for true love, and enjoy the magic of theatre in this song-filled story. Cinderella is treated horribly by her nasty stepmother and stepsisters. Her only wishes are to have friends and to go to the ball. Meanwhile there is a crisis at the palace as the Prince gets a serious diagnosis that only true love can cure. Can the Fairy Godmother save the day? Will Cinderella make it to the ball on time? Will there be a happily ever after?! Join our talented cast and make memories that will last a lifetime.

*Last show only* For mature audiences, we offer a risque take on the tale for one performance only! "tinderfella" - our final show on Saturday night (8:30 pm) puts Cinderella, the Prince, and the rest of the characters into an adult-themed romp through the story, with a modern twist.

We look forward to entertaining you this holiday season.

Performing at the Grand Theatre, in the Regina Rosen Auditorium

Call 613-530-2050  Click  kingstongrand.ca   Visit 218 Princess St

Buy Tickets

A Tuna Christmas @ the Grand Theatre

2016-11-18T08:30:00.000-08:00

Sean Roberts and Mike Bullett are back!

At the Baby Grand studio in downtown Kingston, ON Nov 23rd-Dec 2nd Wed-Sat 7:30 pm

It's Christmas time in Tuna, the third-smallest town in Texas, and radio station OKKK is abuzz with local Yule Tide news and personalities. Kingston actors, Mike Bullett and Sean Roberts, reprise their roles from Greater Tuna as Thurston Wheelis and Arles Struvie-along with some old friends and new! In the news: Joe Bob Lipsey's production of A Christmas Carol is in jeopardy, there is hot competition for the annual lawn display contest, and UFOs continue to taunt R.R. Snively.

Come out for a belly laugh and bring your friends. There is no place warmer at Christmas than the little town of Tuna, Texas.

Bottle Tree Productions presents:

A TUNA CHRISTMASby Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, Ed HowardDirected by: Amie Bello
Starring:
Mike Bullett and Sean Roberts

Call 613-530-2050

Visit 218 Princess Street Kindston, ON

Click kingstongrand.ca

Be Aware and Be Safe--Protect Yourself From Scam Agencies and Predators

2016-10-13T08:46:00.000-07:00

How many times have we counseled our students and their parents about finding legitimate talent agents? Countless. Innumerable. Parents and kids likely get tired of us spouting our information. Some take the advice, others do not.

If you understand the business (and remember, they do call it 'Show Business') you can stay safe from people like this 37 year-old Ottawa man, who has been charged with human trafficking and child luring by posing as a talent agent.

Understanding the business is not hard. What is hard is understanding that it IS a business. Let that inform your thinking. Arm yourself by understanding how legitimate agents earn a living, and do a little fact-checking. Awareness can help you to avoid dangerous criminals, and scam artists.

There are two associations that provide oversight and help to ensure that there is a code of ethics for agents and talent managers in Canada: the Entertainment Industry Coalition (EIC) and TAMAC (Talent Agents and Managers Association of Canada). Membership in either of these associations is a reasonable indication of an agent's legitimacy. There is no good reason for a legitimate agent not to belong to one or both of these groups.

Three things that you can do to protect your child from fake agents are:

1. Check the list on the ACTRA website for the area that the agent works in. ACTRA is the actor's union and keeps a list of agents who have signed the Code of Ethics and are members of the EIC.

2. Beware of agents that advertise in any way. Industry professionals understand that the people who they are dealing with are a vulnerable group - easily preyed upon. This is from the Code of Ethics:
An agent will not advertise to the general public for the purpose of soliciting clients through advertising placed in any form of printed or electronic media (newspapers, flyers, magazines, telephones, the Internet, fax, CD-ROM or mailings, etc.)

3. If they ask for money up front or stipulate that you must use a certain photographer or coach or they, themselves, offer classes or headshots keep your wallet in your pocket and walk away. Agents only make money when their clients make money. They work on commission. No exceptions to that rule.

Much as we would like to believe that someone is out there just waiting to offer a shot at stardom, the likelihood of it happening is miniscule. Don't be flattered by strangers who just find you on the internet, or in a cafe drinking latte. The Hollywood starlet stories are old and very likely not true. Being cautious is sensible in this industry.

You really do have to work for what you want.

~Anne Marie

AT LAST! GEORGETTE SINGS ETTA

2016-03-18T18:10:00.002-07:00

AT LAST! GEORGETTE SINGS ETTA

Georgette Fry in concert

Starring local singing sensation; Georgette Fry and her twelve piece band

Featuring Shout Sister! Friday April 29^th at 7:30 pm at the Grand Theatre

Jazz, blues, soul--the legendary Etta James sang it all--and

who better to take us through her songbook than Canada's own 2013 CMA

Singer of the Year, Georgette Fry? Backed by her excellent 11 piece

band, with 50 members of the local chapters of her Shout Sister! choir

providing gospel harmonies, Fry's retrospective will be filling the

Regina Rosen Auditorium.

Like Etta James, Fry has a big voice that seamlessly glides across

musical genres. Her love of good music does not sit solely with one

particular iteration, making this retrospective a powerful work in its

own right. Georgette never needs to imitate; she brings her own solid,

sensitive self to these treasured songs and honours Etta's legacy.

Fry's excellent band are all-stars from her hometown, Kingston. Jon

Stewart (sax) arranged the music for the show. He plays on stage with

James Wannamaker (sax), Janet MacRae (trumpet), Dave Barton (guitar),

Zak Colbert (bass), Ken Hall (organ), Alain McCann (piano), Duncan Holt

(drums) and Anna Robertson (Background vocals).

Rounding out this already spectacular lineup is Shout Sister!, offering

gospel backup during the finale.

Performing in the Regina Rosen Auditorium, Grand Theatre

Watch Video of one of the songs from the show.

To purchase Tickets please

Call: 613-530-2050

Click http://kingstongrand.ca/event/last-georgette-sings-etta

Visit 218 Princess Street, Kingston, ON

A Gift That Lasts a Lifetime

2015-12-04T10:33:00.000-08:00

Charles and I wish you all the best of the holiday season, and we thank you for your support this year.

Watching a live performance, or enrolling in a class and performing for an audience are memories that stay with people for a lifetime. Consider giving the gift of a lifetime memory this year - take a loved one to see A Christmas Carol, the musical, or enrol a young person in our Little Stars or Stage Right acting class, or give them the experience of being in a major musical with our Musical Theatre Class.

Tickets for A Christmas Carol include special pricing for Seniors, Students and Children. Balcony seating is at a special rate, and the Saturday matinee is priced to favour families. The show opens soon - December 17 (Thursday) and runs for four performances over three days, closing Saturday December 19. You can get tickets from the Grand Theatre box office in person (noon - 6pm), by phone 613-530-2050, or online here: http://kingstongrand.ca/node/1940

The Winter Term of our Stage Right Acting Classes begins Jan 9 (first week back to school!) on Saturdays. We offer classes for young people ranging in age from 6-17. http://www.bottletreeinc.com/acting_classes.html

Our popular Musical Theatre course is offered in January and begins Jan 4. This year's project is SHREK the Musical JR. This is a musical theatre intensive, designed to give your child a taste of what being in a full-scale production is like. Everyone enrolled in the class takes on at least two roles (one major role and at least one minor). Training is second-to-none as we bring in top vocal coaches and choreographers, as well as excellent direction and support. http://www.bottletreeinc.com/musical_theatre_class.html

We want you to know that we are independant artists, active in the greater community, teaching performance arts, producing our own new work, and presenting community theatre shows as part of our arts practise. Every time you buy a ticket to one of Bottle Tree Productions' shows or enrol in one of our classes, you are directly supporting artists - not only us, but local musicians, actors, and directors. This is a rare feat in an industry that favours paying administrators instead of artists. So thank you.

Best wishes of the season - and thank you again for supporting local artists!

Anne Marie & Charles

Greater Tuna - A Comedy

2015-10-23T19:44:00.000-07:00

GREATER TUNA
"Two actors, twenty characters, and a barrell of laughs!"
by: Jaston Williams, Joe Sears, Ed Howard

Buy Tickets Now!
Starring:
Mike Bullett
Sean Roberts

Directed by:
Amie Bello

Come to the Baby Grand and set a spell with the good folks from Tuna, Texas. If you like Stuart McLean's Vinyl Cafe, Don Harron's Charlie Farquharson, and the good folks from HEE HAW, you will enjoy this irreverantly funny take on life in Tuna, Texas' third-smallest town.

Join Arles Struive, and Thurston Wheelis at radio station OKKK as they discuss current events, including the top essays from The Tuna Junior High American Heritage Essay Contest, entitled "Human Rights, Why Bother?", "Living With Radiation" and "The Other Side of Bigotry". Then, head on over to Bertha Bumiller's kitchen as Charlene, Stanely, and Jody talk about weight management, dogs, and text book censorship over breakfast. Down to the Humane Society, Petey Fisk is trying to save Yippy's life, but the already over-burdened Bumiller's household can't handle another canine. Phinas Blye and Leonard Childers hit the airwaves with "This Week in Tuna". Stanley adds his two cents to the show to suggest taxing the stupid, and over at the Burras' home, Pearl has a solution to the dog overpopulation problem, but gets into trouble with her bitter pill.

And folks, that just some of Act One.

Sean Roberts and Mike Bullet are the hardest-working actors in show business as they bring you all of the characters of Tuna Texas in two acts. Quick costume and character changes make this a fun and challenging show for actors--not to mention the stage dressers who have to get these two changed in seconds flat! Come and set a spell, grab a cool beverage and enjoy the wit and wisdom of Tuna, Texas!

Performing in the Baby Grand Theatre, within the Grand Theatre.

FLEETWOOD NICKS and PRACTICALLY PETTY

2015-09-19T16:25:00.000-07:00

FLEETWOOD NICKS and PRACTICALLY PETTY

Friday November 6 at 7:30 PM

Two exciting acts -One ticket!

Rock down memory lane with Practically Petty and Fleetwood Nicks. Using the same equipment as the Heartbreakers, Practically Petty leaves no stone unturned in recreating the original band sound. Their show has all of Petty's hits with the Heartbreakers as well as his solo work. Tom Petty toured with Stevie Nicks and their amazing Stop Draggin' My heart Around is recreated on stage live by Pratically Petty and Fleetwood Nicks. If you love Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Practically Petty is the show for you. But that's not all. Fleetwood Nicks takes the stage with the whole Stevie Nicks-Fleetwood Mac experience. Plucked from relative musical obscurity by the mega band Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks was rocketed to fame and stardom. Fleetwood Nicks has the look, feel and distinctive sound of Stevie Nicks with Fleetwood Mac plus her highly-in-demand solo shows. Fleetwood Nicks portrays Fleetwood Mac with an incredible authenticity. Backed by seasoned professionals, it is definitely a show you will not want to miss.

Practically Petty and Fleetwood Nicks exudes all the charm and mystique of both famous artists in a stunning recreation of some of the worlds most popular music. A highly entertaining night of great music! Two great shows for the price of one!

BUY TICKETS NOW!

For more information about music shows at the Grand Theatre please go to Music Shows in Kingston ON